This Republican voted to convict Trump. Now he's up for reelection. Can he survive?
Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Republican who voted to convict former President Trump after the January 6th insurrection, is running for reelection in Louisiana, facing a primary challenge from Trump-endorsed candidates. His vote has divided Republican voters, with some viewing it as a betrayal while others support his stance on principle. The primary outcome will test Trump's influence within the GOP and whether a Republican who broke with Trump can survive politically.
- ▪Sen. Bill Cassidy is one of the few Republican senators who voted to convict Trump after January 6 and is now running for a third term.
- ▪Cassidy faces two primary challengers, including Congresswoman Julia Letlow, who is endorsed by Trump.
- ▪Louisiana's primary will advance the top two vote-getters to a runoff if no candidate receives over 50% of the vote.
- ▪Julia Letlow, a Trump-backed candidate, has focused on education, parental rights, and pandemic-related legislation in Congress.
- ▪St. Martin Parish GOP Chair Kelby Daigle supports Cassidy despite backlash, arguing conservatism should be based on principles, not loyalty to Trump.
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Politics This Republican voted to convict Trump. Now he's up for reelection. Can he survive? May 16, 20265:00 AM ET By Sam Gringlas Sen. Bill Cassidy poses for a portrait after a campaign event in Baton Rouge, La. on May 4, 2026. Annie Flanagan for NPR hide caption toggle caption Annie Flanagan for NPR BATON ROUGE, La. — Most of the seven Republican senators who voted to convict President Trump after the January 6th insurrection have retired. Not Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana — he is running for reelection. Cassidy's bid for a third term will test Trump's grip on the party. The outcome may also show what voters want from their representatives in Washington in this political moment — and whether a Republican senator like Cassidy can survive in Congress.
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